Mantegna fills gap left by Patinkin

NEW YORK (AP) - Joe Mantegna is joining the cast of CBS' "Criminal Minds," filling the gap left by Mandy Patinkin's abrupt departure from the drama last month.

Mantegna, 59, will play retired FBI special agent David Rossi, an original member of the Behavioral Analysis Unit who took early retirement to go on lecture and book tours, and has volunteered to return to the unit, CBS said.

Patinkin, 54, asked to be released from his role as FBI profiler Jason Gideon, citing creative differences.

"We are all thrilled to have Joe Mantegna joining our family," said Executive Producer Ed Bernero in a statement Tuesday. "He's an incredible actor, a genuinely nice person."

Mantegna is slated to make his first appearance in the fifth episode of the new season.

He is nominated for an Emmy Award for his role in USA's miniseries "The Starter Wife."